First Saturday of the month means equipment inspections. That's Ladder 1 getting cleaned at Station 16, relocated for a few weeks during apron work at Station 4. Not the kind worn in the kitchen. Quick, recite the ladder numbers and station locations from memory! No peeking on Mike's web site. Next question, where's the mini-pumper been moved too?

Next question, can this photo be made at any other fire station? Not necessarily. Station 16 faces east, which makes for perfect lighting about mid-morning. There are no trees to cast shadows, either. Station 11 has quite the foilage, for example. Even apron length factors into the equation. There's enough room for the ladder and engine to park in staggered fashion. Can't do that in front of, say, Station 1. Click to enlarge:

The Mini’s at 17. Still dont know which one’s Ladder 8 though. And though the sun’s great for lighting, it makes that bay HOT for the most of the day. All good though, I didnt take this job to be comfortable.Jake T. - 09/04/10 - 11:29

I believe MP1 is currently at Sta.18.RescueRanger - 09/04/10 - 14:03

MP-1 is at Sta. 18…..L-1 with E-4, L-2 with E-11, L-3 with E-17, L-4 with E-1 / E-13, L-5 with E-22, L-6 with E-24, L-7 with E-20, L-8 with E-26. And for everyone else, with the 35 more firefighters they hope to hire (hiring process has begun Sept 2nd) where will the new L-9 (ALF reserve currently L-4) be placed? Rumor mill had it housing with E-27 in the initial just to get it in service… with hopes to move it with E-12 some day.food for thought - 09/04/10 - 20:53

I believe the plan, as of two weeks ago, L-9 will go with E-27 just to get it in service. Then, it can be moved around later on.Silver - 09/04/10 - 23:02

And…I know a ladder is desired in 12’s area. I wouldn’t be surprised to see L-10, when it goes in, to go over that way. Rather than just shifting the existing nine around.Silver - 09/04/10 - 23:11

Oh, and 14’s area too. Pretty big gap between L-3 and L-7 to pick up around 14’s area, Rex, and a little bit of 8’s area. One thing the Chief wanted when he first came here was more Ladders and an emphasis on “true truck work”. Seems it’s coming to fruition; could you imagine ten Ladder companies in the city, with a better than 3 to 1 ratio (engines to ladders)!?!?

I just hope that when the 9th goes in we can start sending two on fires like was originally planned….get in position fast, get in position early!!Silver - 09/04/10 - 23:20

I’ve also heard the 9th ladder will go to 27 temporarily. I’ve also heard after some station remodeling and/or additions it would go to #15 and L1 will move to #18 after the bay door height increase. HazMat 2 would go to #28. L3 and R3 would swap after a remodel at #14. L8 is still supposed to move to #12 after the new station construction.RescueRanger - 09/05/10 - 10:57

Where is R-3 right now with the apron being redone at 14 as well?Mike - 09/05/10 - 13:36

They’re with Engine 6…Silver - 09/05/10 - 14:05

Sit back Newbie and relax. I can assure you the information that I throw out is factual, not speculation/ rumor mill spreading. This is why I’m happy to put my name down, just be sure to clean those toilets!Silver - 09/05/10 - 14:27

It’s good to see us making some progress in “these times.” You my define “these times” as you wish.A.C. Rich - 09/06/10 - 09:18